Graduate Applications

Does one of our master’s or certificate programs interest you? Admission to any of our graduate programs is a two-step process. In order to have the best chance of being admitted, we recommend you submit both applications at the same time.

Fees

You can pay your application fees (nonrefundable) with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Or you may pay online with an electronic check from a U.S. bank.

applications for degree and nondegree programs: $60 per program

applications for certificates and licensures: $20 per certificate or licensure

Reduced rates for additional applications: Each additional degree application costs $20 and certificate $10. Please remember you must use the username and password from your initial application to receive the discounted rate for multiple applications.

Deadlines

The Graduate School must receive all of your application materials no later than one week before the beginning of the academic term you wish to start.

However, your desired program might have different deadlines. Check with theprogram directorfor those dates.

Submit Your Transcripts

Ball State must receive your official transcript before the university can process your application. Request transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended (this includes dual credit courses earned while in high school). You do not need to submit Ball State transcripts.

The university or college that issued your degree must send an official copy of your transcript directly to Ball State. You can often request your transcripts through an institution’s website. Also, official transcripts must include a college seal, date, and appropriate signature. All transcripts become Ball State property.

Transcripts may be submitted by:

Mail – Send official copies to the Graduate School, Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave., West Quad 100, Muncie, IN 47306.

Electronic – Official electronic transcripts may be submitted by an institution directly to bsutrans@bsu.edu.

After Applying to the Graduate School

Graduate admissions is a shared process at Ball State. When the Graduate School has determined you’ve met minimum admission criteria, your application will be made available to the department for review.

Programs often require additional application materials. Check with the program director about additional requirements. Keep in mind that an admission decision will not be made until all required materials have been received.

a cumulative baccalaureate grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

a 1,000-word statement of purpose that indicates the specific area of concentration the applicant wants to pursue, the reasons for undertaking graduate study in this department, and the relationship of such study to the applicant’s long-term personal and professional goals and interests

either an academic or professional writing sample(s) that best illustrates the applicant’s ability to write and to think critically and logically, and is no less than 2,500 words and no more than 5,000 in total

a 1,000-word statement of purpose that indicates the specific area of concentration the applicant wants to pursue, the reasons for undertaking graduate study in this department, and the relationship of such study to the applicant’s long-term personal and professional goals and interests

an academic or professional writing sample(s) that best illustrates the applicant’s ability to write and to think critically and logically, and is no less than 2,500 words and no more than 5,000 in total

a current resume or curriculum vitae. A cumulative baccalaureate grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test results (a minimum score of 150 on the verbal section). The GRE may be waived in some circumstances, such as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale and at least 5 years of professional experience

a 500-word statement of purpose that explains 1) personal information such as professional experience, academic achievements, and volunteer efforts; 2) your motivation and academic interests in graduate journalism degree; 3) why you think Ball State University’s program best suits your needs. The statement should also specify if the student is most interested in completing the program online, on campus, or by a mix of online and on-campus courses

either an academic or professional writing sample(s) that best illustrates the applicant’s ability to think critically and write clearly; the sample(s) should be 1,500 to 2,000 words in total

International Applicants

International applicants are required to submit scores from one of the following:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or a 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL.

International Language Testing Systems (IELTS)—Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

In addition, the TOEFL and IELTS scores will be further analyzed for writing skills assessment.

Conditional Admissions

Applicants who do not meet minimum departmental and program GPA, GRE and/or TOEFL or IELTS score requirements but who provide an otherwise meritorious application may be considered for conditional admission.

The department will request supplemental evidence of preparedness for graduate study when considering conditional admission.

Conditional admission will require the student to earn a minimum of B (3.0) in each of his/her first three graduate courses in the Department of Journalism. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of the student from the program.

How to Submit Materials

We recommend that you have all of your required materials (including official transcripts) to Ball State within four weeks before the start of the semester you wish to begin.

You may provide your application materials electronically by emailing the program directors.

Semester Start Dates

You need to apply and meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School to be accepted into a graduate certificate program.

After you submit all your application materials to the Graduate School, you must wait until you are cleared by the Graduate School and the Department of Journalism for the graduate certificate program. Then you will be sent information about how to register for courses and pay for your education.